Sharing God's Peace: Option 1

➜Song: ‘I've got peace like a river’ (traditional)

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Either: Hold one end of the peace cloth (see Book 1, p. 231) and ask one of the older children or an adult to hold the other end. Start singing the Peace Song. As the children begin to gather around the peace cloth, invite them to join in holding a small section of the cloth, raising and lowering it so it ‘flows’ like a river as you sing together.

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Or: Invite the children to sit in a circle in the worship space. Start singing the Peace Song. As the children begin to gather, invite them to join in raising and lowering their hands like the waters of a flowing river.

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I’ve got peace like a river,

I’ve got peace like a river,

I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

I’ve got peace like a river,

I’ve got peace like a river,

I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

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As this unit has a strong focus on love, you may like to add the second verse:

I’ve got love like an ocean,

I’ve got love like an ocean,

I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

I’ve got love like an ocean,

I’ve got love like an ocean,

I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

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If your group is about to rejoin the adults for communion, when all the children are gathered, continue with the words of the Peace:

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The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

Hold hands open to the children.

And also with you.

Invite the children to open their hands towards you.

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Let’s shake hands or hug each other

and say ‘Peace be with you’ or whatever is said on sharing the Peace in your church as a sign of God’s peace.

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Lead the children in giving and receiving the Peace.

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Sharing God's Peace: Option 2

➜Song: ‘Peace is flowing like a river’ (traditional)

​

Either: Hold one end of the peace cloth (see Guide, p. 231) and ask one of the older children or an adult to hold the other end. Start singing the Peace Song. As the children begin to gather, invite them to join in holding a small section of the cloth, raising and lowering it so it ‘flows’ like a river as you sing together.

​

Or: Invite the children to sit in a circle in the worship space. Start singing the Peace Song. As the children begin to gather, invite them to join in raising and lowering their hands like the waters of a flowing river.

​

Peace is flowing like a river,

flowing out through you and me.

Spreading out into the desert,

setting all the captives free.

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As this unit has a strong focus on love, you may like to add the second verse:

Love is flowing like a river,

flowing out through you and me.

Spreading out into the desert,

setting all the captives free.

​

If your group is about to rejoin the adults for communion, when all the children are gathered, continue with the words of the Peace:

​

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

Hold hands open to the children.

And also with you.

Invite the children to open their hands towards you.

​

Let’s shake hands or hug each other

and say ‘Peace be with you’ or whatever is said on sharing the Peace in your church as a sign of God’s peace.

​

Lead the children in giving and receiving the Peace.

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Sharing God's Peace: Option 3

➜Song: ‘I’ve got peace in my fingers’ © 1995 Susan Salidor ASCAP

Tune: © 1995 Susan Salidor ASCAP

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The words and music can be found on the album Little Voices in My Head by Susan Salidor, © 2003 Peach Head. The song can also be found on iTunes, YouTube, or at www.susansalidor.com.

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Invite the children to sit in a circle in the worship space. Start singing the Peace Song. As the children begin to gather, invite them to join in with the song and actions. If your group is about to rejoin the adults for communion, when all the children are gathered, continue with the words of the Peace:

​

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

Hold hands open to the children.

And also with you.

Invite the children to open their hands towards you.

​

Let’s shake hands or hug each other

and say ‘Peace be with you’ or whatever is said on sharing the Peace in your church as a sign of God’s peace.

​

Lead the children in giving and receiving the Peace.